Reliability of test results:
*Good but not as reliable as CT scans. Other tests, studies and
clinical observations are necessary to establish a precise
diagnosis.

Purpose of test:
*Determines whether jaundice is caused by a blocked bile duct or by
liver disease.
*Screens for liver disease.
*Detects whether cancer has spread to the liver
. *Detects hematoma following an injury.
*Defines cold spots as tumors, abscesses or cysts.

Description of test:
*You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form
after the procedure has been explained to you.
*Follow technician's instructons for positioning your body.
*You may be uncomfortable for short periods when you assume the
positions the technician requests.
*You may also feel uncomfortable for a short while if small,
enclosed space causes you discomfort.
*Water-soluble lubricant is applied to your skin.
*Technician guides a transducer, which may feel cold on your skin,
over the area examined.
*Transducer sends an ultrasound beam, composed of very
high-frequency soundwaves inaudible to the human ear.
*After passing through tissue, reflected soundwaves are converted
into electrical impulses and displayed on a video screen for
interpretation or photographing for later interpretation.
*In sincalide is injected to stimulate gallbladder contraction, you
may experience some side effects, such as abdominal cramping,
spasms of the anus or bladder, nausea, dizziness, sweating and
flushing.